About us: The Marion County Park District was formed in 1995, when Trella Romine suggested to the Marion County Commissioners that a park district be set up to accept her donation of the land that is now Terradise. The commissioners enthusiastically supported this idea, and three volunteer park commissioners were appointed by the Marion County Probate Court.

In 1996 land was donated by Judge Charlton Myers, and Myers Woods was the first county park property. Trella Romine quickly followed with a donation of property at Terradise, and the village of Caledonia donated the Caledonia Nature Preserve.

Gateway, on Holland Road, was later donated by the city of Marion to serve as a trail head for a rail trail. Greenspur became the fifth park property when this seven acre parcel was donated by former Marion County Commissioner John Watkins

For the first few years, the park district was run solely by volunteers. The first employee was hired in 1998. Director Kelley, who works 12 hours a week, is currently the park district's only paid employee. The park district relies heavily on our dedicated volunteer organization, the Friends of the Prairie Parks. The Marion county prosecutor's office generously provides legal services when needed.

The park district is a political subdivision of the state of Ohio, serving all of Marion County, including the area within townships and municipalities.

In 2008 the park board expanded to five volunteer commissioners, who serve three year terms. The current commissioners are:

Susan Bruder, Chair
Dan Sheridan, Vice Chair
Tom Bostic, Secretary
Carol Bowman
Ron Scharer

The park district accomplishes much of its work through five committees, for which volunteers are always welcome:

Trail design and development (Chair: Carol Bowman)
Parks and preserves (Chair: Tom Bostic)
Grants and Fundraising (Chair: Dan Sheridan)
Financial (Chair: Ron Scharer)
Public Relations/Planning/Misc (Chair: Susan Bruder)

The park commissioners normally meet once monthly, at noon on the second Thursday of the month, in the Morral Room on the lower level of the Marion County Building (southeast corner). These meetings are open to the public.

The Prairie Parks Foundation is a non-profit foundation set up to receive tax-deductible donations to help the Marion County Parks. Some of the five park commissioners also serve as commissioners for this foundation.

Volunteer, and make a difference! Join the Friends of Prairie Parks. Click here for more information.

Karen Kelley, Director, Marion County Park District
222 West Center St, Marion, OH 43302

 

Phone: (740) 223-4161
Fax: (740) 223-4169

 

Marion County Park District

Naturally wild, naturally fun!

About Us

Karen Kelley, Park Director (Photo by Bill Sinden, Marion Star)

Karen Kelley is the Marion County Park Director. In this position, Director Kelley oversees the development and activities of the parks. She may be reached at 740-223-4161, or by using the "Contact Us" page on this web site. Director Kelley has an office in the eastern hallway of the lower level of the Marion County Building, and reports to the park commissioners.

We greatly appreciate the generous support of the Marion County Commissioners, Andy Appelfeller, Josh Daniels, and Dan Russell.